I’m excited to feature an unbelievable Smarty Mom that I met through mutual friends before either of us have had kids. As a fellow Charlottean transplant, we went to the same Indiana college (Go Ball State Cardinals, chirp-chirp!) and have since grown our families. Karen Bryant is one super Smarty Mom and I look forward to sharing her story and family with you!
Smarty Mom: Karen Bryant
Married to: Chad
Children: Eli (almost 22 months!)
Years in Charlotte: A little over 5 years
Originally from: Harrisburg, PA but most of my childhood was in Evansville, Indiana
Occupation: Registered Dietitian
Share your pregnancy story with us!
My pregnancy was quite a roller-coaster ride to say the least. Half way through my pregnancy we were thrilled to find out that we were going to be adding a little boy to our family, however we also found out that he would be born with Spina Bifida. After that, the rest of my pregnancy was very involved with appointments and preparation for our baby boy. Although it was a different path than I expected for my first pregnancy, it made me a stronger person and a stronger mother for my son.
What was life like the first month after Eli was born? The first month after Eli was born was a mixture of emotions – joy, fear of the unknown, excitement, exhaustion! Eli spent 2 weeks in the NICU after birth but settled in to home life quite well. He loved meeting his 2 furry sisters and has been the best gift we ever received.
Eli is always smiling! What are some of the things he loves? Eli is naturally a happy kid and finds the simplest things just funny (liking chasing after his doggie’s tails!). Eli loves music, exploring the world around him in his wheelchair, going for walks, playing with his dogs and swimming.
How do you balance it all? Some days, I’m not sure how it all gets done! My faith has helped me get through times when life has been a bit overwhelming. I also have been blessed with an awesome husband and family that help with it all.
What’s your favorite thing to do as a family? We love to travel, take walks (especially on the Four Mile Creek Greenway) and spend time hanging out with our friends and family.
Favorite place to eat with your family? We love Panera Bread or Newk’s to eat as a family – yummy adult menu options and our picky little eater gets his favorite – Mac ‘n Cheese!
You’re a fellow transplant, what do you love about the Queen City? I love how there is so much to do in Charlotte, depending on what “stage” of life you are in. There is so much to do as a young professional newly out on your own or as a family. I also love how close Charlotte is to both the mountains and the beach – perfect weekend trips!
What’s your ideal date night? My ideal date night would include going to dinner at a fun, new restaurant with my husband and then maybe meeting up with some friends later to listen to some live music somewhere.
Minivan or SUV? I have an SUV right now, but a minivan is becoming more appealing because of all the space.
Favorite Smarty phone app? Pinterest.
I could not live without… Coffee!
